Enhanced Kevlar-based triboelectric nanogenerator with anti-impact and sensing performance towards wireless alarm system

An enhanced Kevlar-based triboelectric nanogenerator (EK-TENG) with excellent safeguarding and stable sensing capability in harsh loading environments was developed by integrating shear thickening materials and graphene on Kevlar fabric. EK-TENG, whose maximum peak power density reached as high as 25.8 mW/m2 under oscillator loadings of 40 N and 10 Hz, could directly power commercial LEDs, capacitors and supercapacitors. In addition, the 30-layer EK-TENG with the greatest fiber friction dissipated drop hammer impact force from 1820 N to 439 N under low-speed impact. EK-TENG with anti-ballistic property enabled to resist 126.6 m/s bullet shooting which was higher than 90.1 m/s of neat Kevlar. Besides, EK-TENG effectively absorbed and dissipated 87.4% of the explosion wave energy under blast loading which exhibited excellent safeguarding properties. Furthermore, EK-TENG could generate voltage signals under various impact loadings which could act as selfpowered sensor to monitor external stimuli. Finally, a smart TENG-based wireless passive sensor alarm system with high sensitivity was designed to monitor and warn impact dangers, which opened up a new avenue for the development of next generation intelligent protective clothing.

Automated summary

The EK-TENG is a frictional nano-electric generator with excellent protection and stable sensing capabilities in harsh environments. It is capable of simulating outstanding protection and dissipation of impact force, and can be applied in the field of smart protective clothing and beyond.